How to Enjoy Your Wedding Day?

how to enjoy your wedding day

Those who have lived through many ups and downs and have gained wisdom from their experiences are the ones to listen to. In that case, it stands to reason that spouses themselves would be the best source of wedding advice.

In this article, we share the wisdom of real brides who have been through the process of getting married, planning the big day, and — most importantly — taking it all in stride. Specifically, do not use the "I wish I would have..." phrase. The best guidance is often the most simple and obvious to ignore.

You clearly put a lot of effort into organising your wedding. Therefore, it is understandable that you do not enjoy it, particularly at this time. However, if you aren't vigilant about maintaining your presence in the moment, stress and worry may prevent you from fully appreciating your hard work's results. Celebrating your love and the beginning of your life together is the most significant aspect of a wedding. The bride must keep this in mind whenever she feels herself becoming overwhelmed or distracted.

The bride will miss out on experiencing and enjoying her wedding day if the couple isn't fully present for it. Need help planning your wedding? Check out our list of Wedding Event Planners here.

With that in mind, here are expert-approved tips to help you stay in the moment.

Table of Contents

Awaken revitalised.

To perform at your best, get enough sleep the night before. As a result, it's important to schedule stag and hen dos at least a week in advance.

High-protein, complex carb breakfast.

This is essential because the bride and groom often go for hours without eating, and the food will take a while to break down in the body and keep you going.

Get Your Shoes Comfortable Before the Big Day

Make sure to break in your new shoes well in advance of the big day if you plan on wearing them. You'll feel uncomfortable and possibly even get blisters if you don't break them in first.

We're not kidding when we say that switching to heels for your wedding day may be a real pain in the foot if you're more used to flats. Even more so than just wearing the shoes around the house, you should make sure you're completely at ease on your wedding day. If your strapless bra is digging into your chest or you have a painful blister on the back of your foot, it will be impossible to enjoy your first dance.

Be prepared from the beginning.

Establishing a filing system to keep your contracts, receipts, and notes together as soon as you begin planning will put your mind at ease leading up to the big day. Your wedding vendors need to know where the ceremony and reception will be held and if they need to bring anything with them. Then, a few days before the event, check in with them (many professionals will call you) to go over exactly what is expected of you.

Don't overbook your wedding week.

You'll have a lot on your plate in the days leading up to the big day. Instead of putting off DIY projects until the last minute, you should start working on them as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary anxiety on your wedding day. Planning ahead for the week of the wedding will allow you to relax and enjoy the festivities. Relaxed and refreshed, you'll be fully present and free of anxiety on your wedding day if you set the tone with a quiet, peaceful week.

Make the best hires you can.

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Before the big day, take some time to research local wedding professionals to find the best possible ones. Do some background research by checking their references and reviewing some of their previous work. Try to sample the food and cake that will be served at your reception, and if possible, see your band or DJ at another event. Pick suppliers whose services you like and whose personalities you can get along with. Then, on the wedding day, you can rest easy knowing everything is being handled properly.

Keep an open mind.

It's likely that there will be hiccups along the way, such as mismatched napkins or a smaller than expected bouquet, but these should not detract from your overall experience.

Hire a wedding day consultant.

When Mother Nature sent a snowstorm to California, the bride's planner "Franck" was there to thaw the flowers and figure out a solution in the 1991 film Father of the Bride. It can be extremely helpful to have your very own "Franck" for the day. He or she can act as a go-between with the suppliers and resolve any problems that arise, usually without you even noticing anything is wrong. There are a lot of practical considerations to be made on such a personal day, and it's comforting to know that someone is looking out for them. She will keep things running smoothly and prevent any major "fires" from happening so that you can enjoy the evening.

Allow plenty of time for preparation.

You and your attendants deserve to be able to kick back and have fun before the big day.

No Matter What, You Must Eat

The day of the wedding can be exhausting. And you definitely don't want your stomach to be the highlight of the show. Before getting dressed for the day, take a few minutes to refuel with some protein, light carbs, or fruit after you've had a hearty breakfast.

Take Time to Yourselves After the Ceremony

It might come as a surprise to learn that you and your spouse won't have much time to yourselves on the wedding day. After the ceremony is over, take some time to reconnect with one another. To share in the joy of being newlyweds, it's best to sneak off to the bridal suite or some other quiet spot. Take pleasure in addressing each other as "spouse" for the first time, looking at your wedding bands and sneaking kisses. You should also inform your planner and caterer in advance of your plans so they can prepare the necessary amenities (such as champagne, water, and a taste of your hors d'oeuvres).

Hug Your Parents

Your mother has been there for you from the very beginning of wedding preparations. Spend some quality time with your mum and express your gratitude to her. In the end, nobody can be as responsible a role model as mum. However, you shouldn't forget about your old man in the process. Some brides even opt for a "first look" with their fathers, during which the groom is shown his bride for the first time in her wedding gown.

Leave Your Phone in Your Purse, or Give It to Your Maid of Honor

If you don't put your phones away, they will be a distraction on your wedding day just as they are every other day. Nothing should divert your attention from the bride and groom on their wedding day. Put it in your purse or have a trusted friend or family member carry it in case of an unexpected event. You don't need to take pictures because you hired a professional photographer, and anyone you might think to call or text will be there in person. Your wedding day is the one day of your life when you can truly unplug.

Take a few selfies.

If your photographer only takes posed, staged photos, these candids will add a lot of personality to the collection. Except for that, please silence your phone. Your wedding is the most important event happening right now, OK?

Hire a Great Team

You need to have faith in the people you've hired to carry out your wedding plans if you want to enjoy the day. Hiring trustworthy, seasoned, and gifted vendors will alleviate a lot of anxiety about the back end. Your wedding planner will coordinate with all of your service providers to ensure that the big day goes off without a hitch. Because of this, you can enter the ceremony and reception with confidence that everything is in order and that everyone is prepared to have a good time. Too busy with life to really plan your wedding in detail? Have someone else do it for you and check out our list of Wedding Planners in Melbourne to help take the stress away.

Take in every moment!

Be affectionate with each other and say nice things to each other on your wedding day. It's just the two of you on this special day. While others may be present to share in your joy, ultimately it is yours alone to experience. A honeymoon is in order. Take a honeymoon trip even if you can't afford it because it's a must. You should get away from there immediately, even if it's just to a motel in the next town over. We had the most relaxing and enjoyable week ever on our honeymoon. Excellent in every way!

Include your guests 

To create the atmosphere we wanted at our wedding, we had friends and family read inspirational quotes, we had everyone give us their blessing before we said our vows (with a big "We Will!"), and we switched our first dance from a slow romantic one to a crazy one with all our favourite people on the dance floor. Everyone will join in on the fun if you appear to be having a good time.

Eat ... and ignore opinions!

Eat! Numerous newlyweds have expressed concern that their wedding day meal will go uneaten, so we've been told to stress the importance of providing food to all team members. Do what you want and don't worry about what other people think; of course, that will be easier said than done at times.

Make a five-minute dinner date.

It's nearly impossible to sit down and eat a full meal with all of your guests demanding your attention, but it is possible to grab a few bites and enjoy your new spouse's company in the span of five minutes.

If five minutes is too much, get your food to go.

The caterers should provide you with a few boxes of food to take with you when you leave the venue. This is something that they will be happy to do.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Worrying too much about inconsequential details is a waste of time and energy because no one will pay attention to them anyway. Act in accordance with your own best interests. Don't forget that this is your wedding day, so do what you and your fiance want to do. Everyone has an opinion on everything; take it all in stride, but ultimately make the decisions that feel right to you (though it's important to be open to the ideas and perspectives of those around you).

The day will fly by.

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Don't let little things (like a curling iron that caught fire or a limo that wouldn't start or a dress that wasn't clipped just right inside) ruin your enjoyment of the entire wedding. Some other things did happen, but they're all jokes at this point. Focus on the big picture, and don't worry about the details. Eat! Don't worry too much about anything going wrong; this is still the best day of your life. You should just take everything and start living. There will never be another opportunity like this.

Stay calm and steadfast. 

Maintain your composure. Don't micromanage; instead, relax and trust that everything will get done. It will be tempting to keep tabs on everyone to make sure they're on track and doing their part. Let go and put your energy into remaining calm and prepared. You should always be yourself. There will be many voices telling you what you must and must not do or have. I say go for it if that's what you really want to do. If you don't want to, don't. Rather than basing your wedding on what other people have done, be true to who you and your fiance are and let that guide the planning. And remember to put your feet's comfort before fashion when picking out footwear.

Grooms should make a list of all the things they need to do on the wedding morning.

The maids of honour play a crucial role in ensuring the bride does not forget any details of the big day. However, you can count on the groomsmen to bring beer, despite their lack of assistance in this area. The groom should talk to his groomsmen about what he expects from them in terms of behaviour before the wedding.

Sometimes the men at a reception can get a little crazy. Before someone tries to do a body shot on your grandma, it's probably a good idea to specify the expected level of decorum.

Don't overdo the perfume.

Perfumes that are too strong have been shown to induce nausea and even attract bugs. Grooms, the same rule applies to you. Try to keep in mind that even a small amount of cologne can have a noticeable effect.

Hire a wedding coordinator if possible.

Many engaged couples try to save money by not hiring a coordinator, but the truth is that they truly make the day stress-free and enjoyable. In the absence of a wedding planner, delegate some of the event's logistics to the bridesmaids. Everyone is eager to lend a hand.

Get loose before you walk down the aisle.

Stretch out your muscles and get your blood pumping so you don't faint from nervousness. This is life, man. If you need proof, just go to YouTube.

Stop to take it all in during the ceremony.

Your officiant can help you remember your wedding by incorporating a "deep breath" moment during which you can look out over the crowd, look at your spouse, and cherish the moment forever.

Be magnanimous.

Smile and say hello to everyone, even if they're your second cousin twice removed who you haven't spoken to in two years because she said that thing (you know what I'm talking about). No one enjoys the company of a sour bride, and you certainly won't.

The best man and bridesmaids will also be giving speeches, so maintain your composure. It's best not to make a big deal out of it if someone says something offensive. No one will remember you screaming at the best man because many people will have missed it.

Give a thank you speech to your spouse.

It's nice to show appreciation to the people who helped make your big day possible, like your parents, grandparents, and guests who came from far away.

Arrange for group photos at the reception.

Initiate a quick photo session with your high school buddies, office mates, and sports team by having the DJ round them all up. Your photographer may recommend doing these ahead of time, but the formal, time-consuming shots should be reserved for the wedding party and close family.

Be careful with alcohol.

Make sure you don't get too drunk (that's for doing at your friends' weddings), as this is a day you'll want to remember vividly for the rest of your life. To help moderate your alcohol intake, try drinking a full glass of water in between alcoholic beverages.

Pack flats for the reception.

Bring a pair of elegant ballet slippers to change into if you feel like letting your hair down during the reception.

Appoint someone to save you from chatty guests.

Whether it's your great-aunt from Poughkeepsie or the father of your old college roommate, someone will inevitably talk their ear off and seem oblivious to the fact that it's your wedding day. That's why it's crucial to have someone gently pull you away.

Have a moment with each of your parents.

Only the bride's and groom's parents get a dance at the reception; the other sets of parents are left out of the plans. Produce one.

Don't do the cake smash.

Brides, you still have to greet guests and pose for photographs, so please refrain from eating cake while wearing your wedding attire (nor do you want to reapply makeup). You don't want to start your marriage off like this, men. Just go with me here.

Make sure you dance.

There's good music playing, the dance floor's packed with people you care about, and you have every reason to rejoice. Grooms who "don't dance" may come to regret not letting their inner Bacon out under those circumstances.

Have a relaxed attitude about the wedding night.

Awesome if fireworks go off, but many newlyweds pass out from exhaustion after a long day. Have no fear; there will be plenty of time for fireworks at a later time. Check out our ultimate list of Wedding Planners in Melbourne to help you organise a stress-free wedding.

Remember why you're there.

The two of you have an incredible journey ahead of you, so take a break from the festivities to look at the person you're promising your life to.

Conclusion

Here, real brides who have been through the process themselves share their insights. If you want to enjoy every minute of your wedding day, read on for some helpful hints. Stag and hen parties should be planned at least a week in advance. Prepare for the big day by wearing shoes that will support your arches and eating a breakfast rich in complex carbohydrates and protein. It will be easier to relax in the days leading up to the wedding if you have a system in place for keeping all of your contracts, receipts, and notes in one place.

If you can, you should try to see your band or DJ play at another event and taste the food and cake that will be served at your reception. It's great to have your own personal "Franck" for the day. They can mediate between you and the suppliers to iron out any issues. Some brides choose to have their fathers and groom share a "first look" before the wedding. Your wedding day will be ruined if you can't put away your phones.

Having reliable, skilled, and experienced vendors on board will reduce a lot of stress on the back end. No matter how tight your finances are, you should still take a honeymoon. Try to relax and not worry about the little things while you eat. Keep in mind that today is your wedding day, so do whatever the two of you wish. Don't stress too much about how quickly the day will pass.

Stop worrying about how things are going to get done and start enjoying yourself. The best way to ensure that you don't forget anything important on the morning of your wedding is to make a list. Perfume should be used sparingly; excessive amounts can make people sick and attract pests. Keep your cool during the speeches given by the best man and bridesmaids. Just because someone is your second cousin twice removed doesn't mean you shouldn't greet them with a smile.

Try drinking a full glass of water between alcoholic drinks to help you consume less of the beverage. If you're the type of bride who wants to kick up her heels during the reception, pack a pair of fancy ballet slippers. Grooms, designate a helper to shield you from the wedding's chatty guests. Consider the reason you're there and focus on the one to whom you're promising your life.

Content Summary

  • In this article, we share the wisdom of real brides who have been through the process of getting married, planning the big day, and — most importantly — taking it all in stride.
  • Establishing a filing system to keep your contracts, receipts, and notes together as soon as you begin planning will put your mind at ease leading up to the big day.
  • Don't overbook your wedding week.
  • Planning ahead for the week of the wedding will allow you to relax and enjoy the festivities.
  • Hire a wedding day consultant.
  • Allow plenty of time for preparation.
  • Spend some quality time with your mum and express your gratitude to her.
  • If you don't put your phones away, they will be a distraction on your wedding day just as they are every other day.
  • Take a few selfies.
  • A honeymoon is in order.
  • Take a honeymoon trip even if you can't afford it because it's a must.
  • Give a thank you speech to your spouse.
  • Arrange for group photos at the reception.
  • Be careful with alcohol.
  • Have a moment with each of your parents.
  • Only the bride's and groom's parents get a dance at the reception; the other sets of parents are left out of the plans.
  • Make sure you dance.
  • Have a relaxed attitude about the wedding night.

FAQs About Wedding Day

As a rule of thumb, wedding ceremonies typically last 30 minutes to an hour—although short and sweet wedding programs are okay, too—and most wedding receptions usually last four to five hours.

It's where it breathes life, and it's where it takes shape. Your ceremony is where you and your partner declare your chosen promises, vows, and aspirations together. To put it simply, this is where you celebrate your commitment together.

At some weddings, the speeches and toasts take place before the dessert course. At others, the speeches may be given while guests eat dessert or afterwards. It's up to you. Traditionally, the speeches and toasts are given by the groom, the best man, and the father of the bride.

The rehearsal dinner
The rehearsal dinner usually takes place the night before the wedding. However, some couples decide to have the rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding to give family and friends a chance to recuperate before the big day. The rehearsal dinner is a chance for families to spend time together in a relaxed setting.

It is considered cultural universal, but the definition of marriage varies between cultures and religions over time. Typically, it is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually sexual, are acknowledged or sanctioned.

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